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PS Audio Stellar Phono

Evening,

Curious as to if anyone has experienced a PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamp? Did you try it at home or at a dealer? I'm considering trying one out for an in home demo to put up against my Musical Surroundings Nova III with the linear power supply to see how it compares. Any insight into either the in home trial is even worth it at this close of a price point? Michael Fremer's views on the Stellar is what has me very very curious and has me considering moving over. I'm a fan of my P10 from PS Audio and feel the Stellar Phono may be the next step. 
j-wall

Showing 4 responses by firenze

firenze's avatar
firenze
12 posts
 
I just ordered one of these to try out. I'm currently using a Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 that has been okay, but am looking forward to the comparison.
firenze's avatar
firenze
12 posts
 
My system is not too impressive right now, but I'm slowly growing.
  • Audio Technica AT-LP-DCVTA-EB (Drop collab) turntable
  • Sumiko Songbird cartridge
  • Jadis Orchestra Black Amplifier
  • JBL 590 & Focal Chorus 706 (I go back and forth)
The folks at PS Audio said it is made-to-order so I should expect to get it within 1-2 weeks from now.
firenze's avatar
firenze
12 posts
 
I've had the Stellar for about a week now and have been doing a lot of listening. My DAC has never felt so lonely as I've been mostly playing records to really get a handle on the Stellar!

Initial impression is good. The sound is very different compared to the Tube Box S2, more than I anticipated initially. The Stellar is less harsh on the high notes. Also much fuller in the mid-range. Vocals and mid-to-low strings like Cellos have really shone through in a way I was not expecting.

I've been trying to A/B as best I can (it's though since I'm literally switching cables), and will be doing a longer writeup/"review" once I've had some more time to compare.

One thing I'm trying to troubleshoot is a bit of "hum" in the 60Hz range. It seems to disappear (mostly) if I disconnect the ground wire from the TT. I'm not super experienced in this department but it seems PS Audio is, so I plan on giving them a call this week to see if they can walk me through any steps.
firenze's avatar
firenze
12 posts
 
@j-wall congrats! I've not seen the Chinook before, but it looks like a great option if you're feeling tubes. Certainly more so than my old Tube Box S2!

I'd be curious if you do an A/B with the Stellar. I was on the fence about ordering it, but since PS Audio's trial/return policy is so generous (in the US) I figured it was worth it.

I do disagree with @jmeyers on one point: My setup has a more modest turntable setup with basic blue jeans cables and even I could notice quite a difference. I think the Stellar could make any system sound better, not just with top-shelf components. That said, the additional upgrades certainly would help even more.
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